HALIFAX - Nova Scotia's deputy premier says it wouldn't trouble him if the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec fell through.

Bill Estabrooks says he's focused on what's best for his province and its ability to ship power to U.S. markets.

Estabrooks dismisses suggestions that Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador were playing politics when they sent an open letter to the premier of New Brunswick asking for written guarantees about access to transmission lines.

Estabrooks says he knows the New Brunswick government has given verbal assurances but he doesn't understand why it is reluctant to put anything in writing.

New Brunswick Energy Minister Jack Keir says the other provinces are aware of power export rules and if there is available capacity it will be bid on in the market, just as it does now.

New Brunswick and Quebec hope to complete the $4.8 billion sale of the utility by the end of March.